The History of Seafarers International House
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Transcript of The History of Seafarers International House
THE HISTORY OF SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL HOUSE
New LogoSeafarers International House and “Harbor of
Hospitality”
“You shall not wrong or oppress the sojourner,
for you were sojourners in the land of Egypt”.
Ex.22:21
“Seeing” those who are often invisible since 1873
1873-1895 Parish based immigrant focus including seafarers in partnership with the German Seamen’s Mission
1895- 1898 rented two houses on Moore St. , 18 rooms primarily for immigrants
1898-1927 rented #5 Water Street for the tidal wave of immigrants (40,000 a year).
1917 Immigrants became much fewer with the start of WW1 in 1917. Seafarers emerged as primary during the war and homeless men emerged as the mission focus especially during the stock market crash of 1929 and afterwards.
Our first home for seafarers and immigrants, 1873.
Adapting to needs and refocusing mission for over 140 years
1927- Purchased #6 Water Street - 34 rooms and cafeteria, for seafarers and homeless men
1941- WWII - debarkation of servicemen became the focus
Responding to Current Needs
1964 - Built new guesthouse in Union Square (84 rooms) primarily for seafarers and a merger with the Lutheran Home for transient Women
Continued Service SIH continues to serve
seafarers, sojourners, women in crisis, vulnerable immigrants (asylum seekers).
“The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the LORD your God.”Lev. 19:34
“Sleep Well While Doing Good”
Since 2008 visitation to ships and transporting of seafarers has increased 170% with 7 port chaplains now in New
York, New Jersey, Baltimore, Philadelphia and southern New England.
Growing our Ministry is about constantly putting on new glasses to “see those who are in peril on sea (and land)” It’s about not neglecting “to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have
entertained angels unawares”. (Heb. 31:2)
The Core mission has stayed the same: Adapting to needs, Re-focusing of mission, but always seeing those who are often unseen.
THE HISTORY OF SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL HOUSE